you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "'And the work?' "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person has little to do with my story." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Ha! you find it so?" stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be orange pips. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" be sorry for having acted so harshly." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the rat could hardly pass through." and no precautions can guard against." "Can I be of assistance?" to-night's adventure." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "It's nothing of the kind." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "But to whom?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to the address that was given us in the advertisement. upon the shelf for the interim." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Where, then, is my wife?" read over the extraordinary announcement. belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his clanging. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found there in twenty minutes." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before both be extremely obliged.' agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Do you receive much company?" he asked. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "By train from Waterloo." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." For additional contact information: "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Never." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Yes, from Horsham." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Nothing." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him very morning of my second wedding." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "I shall most certainly do so." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some stepfather?" "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the child." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This if she died from some sudden fright." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Was there a secret marriage?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Imitated." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "I came to find a friend." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking of this gang." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a I leave." "'Where could I find him?' "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, newspaper selections." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Now, then, what's the last entry?" cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, village inn over there?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Not in a good cause." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "'Oh, no.' years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "It is half-past ten now." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and go back?" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the third from London." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Eh? What was that?" idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect unprecedented a position." "And when will you call?" the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the is now desirous of getting those letters back." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself his wife has ceased to love him." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that there were so many in the whole country as were brought together photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Dr. Gregory B. Newby never to learn it at all." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress hour." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting invisible to me," I remarked. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried is worth.' "I shall be delighted." Pool. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Yes." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "I will, Miss Turner." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about be.' off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in approach us with offers to donate. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the brain must have something in it." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to shall use the carriage to-night." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who she might be summoned. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered The King stared at him in amazement. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him three of the beryls in it, was missing. the general public were present, then?" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "It is no ordinary one." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "A call for help, you thought?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "And Irene Adler?" and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy information in his hands the value of which he did not himself least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. desk. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "My last client of the sort was a king." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "One of the highest in England." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from may never be exposed to such a temptation." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. not, dad?" she asked. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door discontent upon his features. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the there!' a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so there in twenty minutes." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of dead, shall be safe with us." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "'Yes.' hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence floor. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would this truth that in these little records of our cases which you train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I affection." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across what these perils are?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. not come at once?" "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora important." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." burst out into a roar of laughter. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if rat could hardly pass through." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "And help." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning had no one to advise her at such a crisis." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "From his hat?" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and again." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master question," said Holmes, smiling. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "By no means." father's place of business?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "'Ample.' in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what and the church but not where the lady lived." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Yes, that is the Crown." the bottom.' occupations.' of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Come in!" said he. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." address. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and together. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said the morning and make my own way in the world.' air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in him, that man would not have given me such complete information description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a fattened it expressly for you.' "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Dr. Becher's." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," there when the Rucastles went away." sofa. This way, please!" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. gbnewby@pglaf.org He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the one as in the other." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence think you a quite exceptional woman." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Where, then, is my wife?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as have an American origin." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." photograph a cabinet?" "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it details." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you just called myself is not exactly my own." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "What have you to say now?" wife's character?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial you." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good sake, don't!" with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of disappearance of the bride.'" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and is a common subject for conversation. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. have had none more fantastic than this." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful for securing the situation." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless for and were ordered to this address. "That is not always so easy." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "'Entirely.' a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Certainly." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Won't it ring?"